Lys Assia passes away at age 94

It’s a sad day in the Eurovision world, as the first winner of the contest has passed away. Lys Assia represented Switzerland in the first Eurovision Song Contest back in 1956 with the song Refrain, and had since been involved in the contest even in more recent years.

Although she found her Eurovision success in the debut year, Lys returned to the contest the following year with the song L’enfant que j’étais, where she finished in 8^th place. Then in 1958, she participated for the third and final time, this time with the song Giorgio, which finished in 2^nd place.

Although her last participation was in 1958, Assia was involved with the contest even up until recently, with two attempts to return to the contest in 2012 and in 2013. In 2012, she performed the song C’était ma vie in the Swiss Eurovision national final, and the following year she also participated in the Swiss selection with the song All In Your Head.

She has also appeared at Eurovision in recent years, including in 2013 where she was a special guest, and chat with the host Petra Mede in the green room.

Lys passed away on the 24^th of March at the Zolikerberg Hospital in Zürich. Her enthusiasm and presence at the contest will be deeply missed. Rest in Peace.